POLICE ARREST FOUR MORE SUSPECTS OVER MURDER OF THREE CAMEROONIANS IN ANAMBRA

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the abduction and murder of three Cameroonian nationals whose bodies were dumped in a river in Anambra West Local Government Area.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped in November 2025, and days later, police operatives recovered their decomposing bodies floating on a river in the area.

Following the discovery, the command launched an investigation that initially led to the arrest of two suspects who were said to have been assisting with information.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said confessions from the two suspects already in custody led to the arrest of four more individuals on February 13, 2026.

Ikenga disclosed that the suspects, all males, were apprehended at a shrine in Nando, Anambra East Local Government Area, after a fierce gun duel with security operatives.

The suspects were identified as the alleged Chief Priest of the shrine, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, popularly known as “Ugoebenajah,” aged 27; Nwabunne Bright (27); Chinecherem Chiama (21); and Michael Ekwunife (38).

According to the police, operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, swiftly mobilised to the shrine following intelligence from the earlier suspects.

“On approaching the shrine, about 30 able-bodied men were observed gathered at the premises. Upon sighting the Police, the armed men opened fire on the operatives,” the statement read.

The police team reportedly responded with superior firepower, engaging the suspects in a gun duel.

During the exchange, the prime suspect, Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam, escaped alongside other gang members with suspected bullet wounds.

One of the arrested suspects sustained a gunshot injury to the thigh during the operation and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

Items recovered from the scene include two pump-action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, 10 live cartridges, and five live 9mm rounds.

Ikenga said the suspects are undergoing interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest fleeing members of the gang.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents and urged members of the public to provide credible information to aid ongoing investigations.

Earlier, on November 29, 2025, the police had announced the recovery of two decomposing female bodies believed to be among three missing Cameroonian women. At the time, two suspects — Nonso Augustine Akpeh, 37, and Kingsley Akpeh, 44 — were arrested, while another suspect was said to be at large.

The police said the recovery of the bodies was part of sustained efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the victims.